How does OxyNEO work? What will it do for me?

Oxycodone controlled release belongs to a group of medications known as opioid analgesics (narcotic pain relievers). It is used to relieve severe chronic pain which has not responded to other treatments. It decreases pain by acting on the central nervous system.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use OxyNEO?

The dose of oxycodone controlled release varies widely depending on the cause and severity of pain, individual medical history, and body weight.

For people who are not taking opioid pain medications when oxycodone is started, the usual starting dose of controlled-release tablets is 10 mg or 20 mg every 12 hours. Your doctor can adjust your dose until a dose that controls your pain with tolerable side effects is reached.

For people who are currently taking other opioid pain medications when oxycodone controlled release is started, the recommended starting dose will depend on the type and dose of opioid that is currently being taken. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you.

Oxycodone controlled release should be taken with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food.

The controlled-release tablets are for people who require continuous use of a pain killer for several days or more. It is taken every 12 hours (and is not taken "as needed"). The controlled-release tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be broken, cut, chewed, dissolved, or crushed. Taking broken, cut or chewed tablets can lead to the rapid release of oxycodone. This large amount of medication being absorbed into the body can be fatal.

To avoid difficulty swallowing, take only one tablet at a time and take the controlled-release tablet with enough water so that you are able to completely swallow the tablet immediately after placing it in your mouth. Do not lick, pre-soak, or wet the tablet before you place it in your mouth. You may notice what appears to be a tablet in your stool. This is normal and occurs because the tablet does not completely dissolve after all the medication has been released in the body.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of the controlled-release tablets, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and protect it from moisture. Keep this medication in a safe place away from children or pets, and to prevent theft. Accidental use by a child or pet may result in death. If accidental use occurs, get immediate medical attention for the child or pet. Do not take this medication in front of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does OxyNEO come in?

OxyNEO tablets consist of a matrix with hydrogelling properties (i.e., particles or whole tablets become gel-like in water). The tablets are designed to be resistant to crushing.

The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and are meant to be discussed with your physician or other qualified health care professional before being acted on. Never disregard any advice given to you by your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of a physician or other licensed health care professional regarding any questions you have about your medical condition(s) and treatment(s). This site is not a substitute for medical advice.